What a wet and windy week! It has eased a little to-day and a few boats took advantage and left the river this morning , on the high tide, for a run north.Martin has his boat ‘Sig’ on the slip and is trying to carry out a refit, not easy in the constant rain and drizzle. Meanwhile my front yard looks like a boat yard.

My grandchildren Liam and Pearl gave me a hand to clean the patio this week and were delighted to look after a couple of white-lipped tree frogs and save them from the broom.

The kingfishers have started nest building in termite mounds. Haven’t been able to get a photo of them on the mounds but there are newly formed holes in two termite mounds that I am observing. There was no sign of any activity when I last looked ten days ago.

In the past I have observed the little forest kingfisher In one of these trees, I do not know if they are site faithfully or opportunists. They usually do not start nest building until spring, so they are very early this year. At least, at the moment, there are plenty of termite mounds in dead trees for them to choose nest sites. Another example of why it is important not to clear or burn rainforest after a cyclone. “clean-up”!

A flock, about five birds, of Pied Currawongs have invaded the nursery. I have never seen them here in the past. The catbirds and the lorikeets are moving them on but they keep coming back. It will be interesting to see if they leave when the rainforest canopy reforms.

At least this rain will help the rainforest regrowth. Slowly the green is coming back but it will be a long time before we see shade on the forest floor.

Cheers for now,

Yvonne C. +++++++++++

Have been busy and missed a couple of Yvonne's updates. They are such a good diary of seasons, wildlife and issues, the stories would not be complete without them. Here is 4th juneand 25th June